Greece Police Department taking the lead in technology with the launch of Body Worn Cameras

As many law enforcement agencies across the country begin to consider the use of the Body Worn Cameras, Greece Police Officers are already taking the lead in this technology as they implement the use of the newly purchased Body Worn Cameras.

Body worn cameras are video devices worn on the front of an officer’s uniform to capture any contact officers might have with citizens, whether it is a traffic stop or call for service at a residence or business. When officers exit their vehicles, they can turn the body camera on, and it captures data during traffic stops, data gathered on crime scenes and calls for service. The cameras do have night vision technology and can be both audio and or video recording devices.

The body cameras are to be used as another digital tool that can assist the officer in collecting information.  It is also a tool to help increase and strengthen the public’s trust. National Department of Justice studies indicate that the use of the Body Worn Cameras can reduce citizen complaints by 88% and reduce the use of force by over 50%.

The Greece Police Department began to research the Body Worn Cameras in 2014 and purchased 20 of them in June of 2014. After training and writing the policy, the cameras were phased in on November 17, 2014.

According to Sergeant Jared René of the Greece Police Department Community Services Unit, the department purchased a total of 20 Body Worn Cameras, enough to outfit each patrolman on the road during their shift.  The total cost of the cameras was $7,000 including the accessories.  The additional expense of video storage runs approximately $3,000 per year. According to Sgt. René,the majority of the storage costs were covered by Greece Police Department grant funding.

The new Body Worn Cameras are to be used by the officers at their own discretion as a tool to help them with their public safety responsibilities. The department policy does encourage the officers to use them as often as possible.  When the camera is being used the officers will use reasonable expectation of privacy unless it is pursuant to an arrest.  When interviewing Sergeant Jared René he said, “The Greece Police Department is committed to researching, developing and implementing new ways to ensure we are providing the citizens of our community with the highest level of police service we can. The Body Worn Cameras are another great tool to assist us in our commitment. Studies have shown the use of body worn cameras to be effective instruments for the collection of evidence, the investigation of crimes and the reduction in citizen complaints. The Greece Police Department hopes to achieve those same results.”

Photos by Tom Parsons